Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
- Discipline
Articles 1 - 19 of 19
Full-Text Articles in Entire DC Network
Examining West Virginia's Economic Development: Natural Resources, Development Agencies, And Labor Force Development, Gaillynn Marie Bowman
Examining West Virginia's Economic Development: Natural Resources, Development Agencies, And Labor Force Development, Gaillynn Marie Bowman
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Examining West Virginia's Economic Development: Natural Resources, Development Agencies, and Labor Force Development Gaillynn Bowman Economic development is well-recognized as being fundamental to facilitating an overall improved quality of life for communities and their residents. Throughout West Virginia’s history, the state has experienced economic hardships caused by boom and bust cycles associated with resource extraction. This dissertation consists of three essays that explore the impacts of economic development activities, including conservation programs, economic development agency initiatives, and workforce development agencies. The first essay explores the relationship nonresident landowners have with the conservation programs within West Virginia, specifically the Natural Resources …
Investigating The Effect Of Humor Communication Skills Training On Pro-Social And Anti-Social Humor Styles, Cognitive Learning, Self-Efficacy, Motivation, And Humor Use, Lori E. Vela
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Humor is an important aspect of interpersonal interactions as it is linked to the development and maintenance of relationships (Merolla, 2006). The purpose of this dissertation was to test the effect of a humor communication skills training program on the ability to minimize anti-social humor (i.e., aggressive, self-defeating) and enhance pro-social humor (i.e., affiliative, self-enhancing) in interpersonal interactions. Working from the framework of Social Cognitive Theory (Bandura, 1986, 2001), the effect of the humor skills training on self-efficacy, motivation, positive and negative humor use, and cognitive learning were also examined. Data were collected at baseline, post-training, and at a two …
Expanding Training Opportunities For Parents Of Children With Autism, Jennifer Lee Suppo
Expanding Training Opportunities For Parents Of Children With Autism, Jennifer Lee Suppo
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
The purpose of this study was to demonstrate that parents who have children diagnosed with autism can obtain and apply knowledge of a research-based support for their children by utilizing a prescribed, self-directed, online program, giving families another possible method of obtaining training to help meet the discrepancy that exists between need and service. The design was a quasi-experimental, non-equivalent control group, pretest-posttest design that was used to test knowledge obtained from treatment. Additionally, the researcher examined parents' application of knowledge and perceptions regarding the treatment. The results demonstrate that parents who receive training using this method can obtain and …
Perceived Barriers To Persistence Related To Coping Strategies For Undergraduate Nontraditional Learners, Justin C. Griffith
Perceived Barriers To Persistence Related To Coping Strategies For Undergraduate Nontraditional Learners, Justin C. Griffith
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Nontraditional learners experience a variety of barriers to degree completion. These barriers affect graduation rates and the time it takes to graduate. The method(s) in which the adult learner deals with each barrier will determine if they persist through their program of study or fail to graduate. This study took place at a collaborative campus involving six institutions of higher learning with both a male and female population. Investigation determined, and subsequently reported, internal and external barriers to education persistence for current nontraditional undergraduate learners enrolled in a variety of majors. The investigation then determined and reported coping strategies each …
The Development, Diffusion And Evaluation Of A Fall Hazard Safety Training Program For Residential Construction Workers Utilizing Instructor Led And New Media Delivery, Mark D. Fullen
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
The numbers of workers in the residential construction industry are on the rise. Falls have continually been the largest contributor to residential construction worker deaths and injuries. These workers are largely self-employed or working for small companies. These individuals are difficult to reach through traditional methods. This research proposed to use the Internet to reach this group and engage them in the curriculum development cycle.;An instructional design research method known as Type I Developmental Research was utilized to study the methodology, product, implementation, and outcomes for this program throughout the design, implementation, and evaluation stages. Five complete cycles of design, …
The Effect Of Parent Education On The Home Food Environment For Overweight Adolescents In West Virginia, Kimberly N. Fisher
The Effect Of Parent Education On The Home Food Environment For Overweight Adolescents In West Virginia, Kimberly N. Fisher
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
This study is a pre and post-intervention study examining family involvement and healthy food behaviors prior to and three month post nutrition education. The intervention was conducted as part of a residential summer camp for overweight adolescents in West Virginia. Twenty-one parents were included, one parent per camper. The intervention included nine hours of nutritional instructional time consisting of lectures, PowerPoint presentations, and a grocery store tour. Data were measured to determine occurrence of positive changes within the home environment of these families. Parent education sessions were evaluated. A factor analysis and independent samples t test were used respectively to …
Promoting Self-Directed Learning In Adult Piano Instruction, Rhonda Jane Mizok-Taylor
Promoting Self-Directed Learning In Adult Piano Instruction, Rhonda Jane Mizok-Taylor
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
More and more adults are studying music. Because of this, the number of adult method books has been increasing; however, when writing an adult method book, it is important for the author to remember that adults are more capable of independent learning by using their own previous musical experiences to understand new material. They may not wish to be completely dependent on a teacher for every aspect of instruction.;Using questions derived from Malcolm Knowles' book Self-Directed Learning and questions used by Hung-Ling Chen in the dissertation "An Investigation of Self-Directed Learning among Non-Music Major Adult Piano Learners in One-to-One Piano …
Exploring West Virginia Diabetes Educators' Perceptions Of And Experiences With Integrating Internet Technology In Their Practice, Elizabeth Quintana
Exploring West Virginia Diabetes Educators' Perceptions Of And Experiences With Integrating Internet Technology In Their Practice, Elizabeth Quintana
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
The purpose of the study was to explore how diabetes educators integrate Internet technology in their medical practice. The study focused on diabetes educators' perceptions and experiences using the Internet to provide diabetes education and how this educational strategy has influenced their diabetes educator-patient relationships.;Employing both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, the research population of this study involved 41 diabetes educators working in West Virginia. The quantitative research method consisted of a survey with a series of correlational analyses to describe perceptions and use of computer and Internet that diabetes educators employed in their practice. The qualitative case study followed …
Comparison Of Parenting Practices, Acculturation, And The Acceptability Of Behavioral Parent Training Programs Between A Native American And A Non-Native American Sample, Joshua J. Masse
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Behavioral parent training (BPT) has been shown to be a highly effective treatment for children with disruptive behavior disorders. Although a great deal of promising research concerning BPT exists, it is important to recognize that current BPT programs were developed and normed based on European-American ideologies regarding parenting, with the assumption that these programs will apply to parents from cultural minority groups as well. The current study evaluated differences in parenting practices between a sample of Native American parents and non-Native parents. In addition, group differences regarding sensitivity and acceptability of techniques that are commonly used in BPT programs were …
Comparing Mothers And Fathers On Acceptability Of Parent-Training Approaches, Knowledge Of Behavioral Principles, And Parenting Behaviors, Jennifer D. Tiano
Comparing Mothers And Fathers On Acceptability Of Parent-Training Approaches, Knowledge Of Behavioral Principles, And Parenting Behaviors, Jennifer D. Tiano
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Although most child research is conducted with mothers as the primary source of data, results often are applied to fathers. Yet, mothers and fathers engage in different interactions with children and may have varying attitudes and knowledge of parenting. This project compared mothers and fathers on a variety of parenting measures. Participants included a community sample of 80 parents (40 mother-father pairs) and their male child between the ages of two and seven. This study evaluated potential differences between mothers and fathers on treatment acceptability, knowledge of behavioral principles, and observed parenting behaviors. Results indicated that mothers prefer response cost …
Learner Satisfaction And Learning Performance In Online Courses On Bioterrorism And Weapons Of Mass Destruction, Tatiana I. Solovieva
Learner Satisfaction And Learning Performance In Online Courses On Bioterrorism And Weapons Of Mass Destruction, Tatiana I. Solovieva
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
This study examined the relationships between measures of (a) learner satisfaction with online courses on weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and bioterrorism intended to address the educational needs of responder Communities of Practice (CoP) and (b) degrees of accomplishment by the learner with those online courses. Provided that course design characteristics were similar between courses and that content was different, it was important to examine learner satisfaction with course common aspects in relation to learning outcomes and identify the predictors of effectiveness and relations between the learner satisfaction with the course characteristics and the learner achievement for potential design improvements …
Mass Communication Delivery Methods Used And Possessed By Extension Agents In West Virginia, Lisa Michelle Neehouse
Mass Communication Delivery Methods Used And Possessed By Extension Agents In West Virginia, Lisa Michelle Neehouse
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
The purpose of the study was to identify which mass communication methods were being utilized for delivering information to current and potential clientele by West Virginia University Extension agents. Descriptive survey research provided information regarding the frequency of use, preference of delivery method, skill rating, source of training, desire for additional training, and availability of each mass communication delivery method by West Virginia Extension agents.;The findings of the study concluded that the majority of West Virginia University Extension agents had some access to each of the mass communication delivery methods. West Virginia University Extension agents most frequently used and most …
Teachers' Beliefs In Relation To Their Instructional Technology Practices, Deniz Palak
Teachers' Beliefs In Relation To Their Instructional Technology Practices, Deniz Palak
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
This study investigated how teachers' beliefs and factors other than teachers' beliefs relate to teachers' instructional technology practices. Teachers' beliefs were identified as teacher-centered beliefs, student-centered beliefs, and attitudes toward technology integration. Teacher confidence and comfort, technical support, general school support, and ratio of computers-to-students in the classroom were identified as factors other than teachers' beliefs.;The study employed both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. The research population of this study involved 113 technology-using P--12 teachers who worked in technology-rich schools in West Virginia. The quantitative research methods employed two surveys and computed a series of correlational and multiple regression analyses …
How Do Adult Beginning Spanish Students Perceive Their Teacher's Written Feedback On Their Compositions?, Flavia Aoni Costa
How Do Adult Beginning Spanish Students Perceive Their Teacher's Written Feedback On Their Compositions?, Flavia Aoni Costa
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Most of the literature on written feedback to date has attended to feedback techniques and the effects of such approaches on students' writing skills. Little emphasis has been placed on students' perspectives on teachers' written feedback. For this reason, the present study investigated how adult beginning students react to their teacher's written feedback on their Spanish compositions. The study used qualitative methods of data collection---questionnaires for the students, interviews with teachers and students and participant observations---in order to explore their reactions and perceptions. The findings show that the general positive reaction students had in relation to their teacher's written feedback …
Evaluation Of Marketing Methods Used To Promote Extension Programs As Perceived By Master Gardeners In West Virginia, Tiffany Dale Rexroad
Evaluation Of Marketing Methods Used To Promote Extension Programs As Perceived By Master Gardeners In West Virginia, Tiffany Dale Rexroad
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
The purpose of this study was to provide information to Extension professionals regarding effectiveness of the methods of advertising and marketing that may help them choose methods to encourage participation in Extension programs. The objective was to evaluate effectiveness of methods of promoting the WVU-ES based on experiences of current adult Master Gardeners in WV.;A major finding of the study was that for WV Master Gardeners referrals from friends is an effective method of creating awareness of Extension programs. Newspaper articles were the most effective mass media method. The preferred method of receiving Extension information was via Extension newsletter followed …
Students' Perception Of Performance Through Self-Assessment, Javier Dejesus Coronado-Aliegro
Students' Perception Of Performance Through Self-Assessment, Javier Dejesus Coronado-Aliegro
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
This study was designed as a qualitative investigation and it focuses on the non-graded self-assessment adult ESL students make of their performance. It is based upon findings from previous studies of self-assessment in several settings (Glazer, 1999; Glazer et al., 1995; Optiz, 1995; Manning, 1997; Levy, 1999; Fazey, 1993; Boud, 1992; Orsmond et al., 1997; Sullivan and Hall, 1997; and Lan, 1996). The present research reports and analyzes data collected from eleven students who expressed their views concerning their performance through a checklist, two questionnaires and an interview in an ESL setting. The data collected and analyzed suggest that students …
Evaluating Mandatory Parent Education For Divorcing Couples With Children, Brian John Krolczyk
Evaluating Mandatory Parent Education For Divorcing Couples With Children, Brian John Krolczyk
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Court-mandated parent education for divorcing parents with children has become a standard practice in recent years. The West Virginia State Legislature voted to mandate parent education programs in all of West Virginia effective January, 2000. Research suggests parental conflict is a major factor contributing to adjustment difficulties reported by children. Generally, parent education programs for divorcing couples with children focus on adjustment issues for parents and children as they navigate a demanding period of family change. A literature review of current parent education programs in the United States revealed programs differ in teaching methods used and curriculum. It is reported …
Philosophies Of Adult Education As Practiced By Agricultural Education Teachers In Pennsylvania, West Virginia, And Virginia, Crystal R. Buckingham
Philosophies Of Adult Education As Practiced By Agricultural Education Teachers In Pennsylvania, West Virginia, And Virginia, Crystal R. Buckingham
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
The purpose of this study was to increase understanding of adult education philosophies as practiced by Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Virginia secondary school agriculture teachers.;A Philosophy of Adult Education Inventory (PAEI) and researcher-created demographic sheet was sent to a sample of agriculture teachers in the tri-state area (n = 314). Descriptive data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences for Windows (SPSS). Frequencies, means, and correlational and multivariate analyses were used to describe and analyze the research results.;It was shown that there is a slight relationship between adult education preparation and the five philosophies. The Humanist philosophy is …
Determining The Effects On Parental Attitudes And Parenting Styles Towards Child Rearing After Participation In A Rural Parenting Program, Kathryn A. Canter
Determining The Effects On Parental Attitudes And Parenting Styles Towards Child Rearing After Participation In A Rural Parenting Program, Kathryn A. Canter
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
The intent of this study was to examine parental attitudes toward parenting and parenting styles before and after participation in a rural parent education program. The parental attitudes toward parenting were measured by the Parental Attitude Research Instrument (PARI). The three parenting styles; authoritarian, authoritative, and permissive, were measured by the Parenting Style Dimension (PSD). The participants in this study were six mothers of children who attended either the Starting Points Center Happy School or who visited the Food Pantry at Scott's Run Settlement House in Morgantown, West Virginia.;Cronbach's alphas were run on all measures with high reliability found on …